Types of Vayu

According to the texts of ayurveda vata dosha even though located in intestines it moves through all organs and tissues of body . According to its functions and locations vata dosha is subdivided into 5 more types. They are

1. . Pranavayu, - moves from external environment into body through sense organs and orifices present in upper part of body. It helps in inspiration, gulping food, hearing sounds and receiving external stimulus etc.
2. Udana vayu – Does the opposite of praanavayu – expiration, reflex actions, speech etc. Both prana vayu and udana vayu are located in upper part of body (mainly throat).
3. Vyana vayu – It helps in movement of blood from heart to other parts of body through arteries and movement of food from stomach to intestines and absorption of it. It is located in center of body.
4. Samana vayu – It is spread all over body and helps to bring back blood to heart through veins, It helps in digestion .
5. Apana vayu – It is located in pelvic area (urinary bladder, groin, testicles,etc) and helps in discharge of urine, feces, flatus, semen, fetus, menstrual blood etc. It cleanses the body and keeps the vata in balance.
   

Healthy bones

According to ayurveda persons who have healthy bones and skeletal system are known as "asthi sarapurusha". These persons will have strong bones, teeth and nails. They will be very strong, active and enthusiastic.
Minerals like Calcium, phosphorous, magnesium along with protein and collagen help to build bones. Vitamin D is needed to make bones strong. Hormonal imbalances, increased intake of proteins, salt and stimulants interrupt bone building. Stress and prescription drugs also disrupt the process of bone building. Deficiency of these nutrients leads to osteoporosis, inflammation of joints (arthritis) and painful joints. Dificiency of vitamin D leads to painful joints, stiff neck, hairloss and bone loss.

• Exposing skin to sunrays makes vitamin D available to body. Oysters, cottage cheese and eggs contain small amount of vitamin D.
• Vitamin C encourages collagen production. Hence adequate intake of citrus food helps to supplement Vitamin C .
• Cereals, legumes, Leafy greens and yellow, orange, and red vegetables supply good amounts of calcium.
• Dry fruits, Nuts , seeds (sunflower, black sesame and pumpkin seeds) and their oils are abundant with vitamins and minerals as well as healthy essential fatty acids such as omega-3-and-6 .
• Regular exercise helps to build strong bones and reduce calcium loss. It makes joints stronger and healthy.
• Stress reducing techniques like yoga and meditation help to reduce calcium depletion.
• Avoid excess intake of coffee, tea, cola etc.
• Try to maintain normal weight and avoid getting overweight